Author: editor

As the weather warms up and insect activity increases, both outdoor enthusiasts and casual lawn-goers alike are faced with similar challenges: how to manage mosquito populations without harming beneficial insects in the process. Protecting bees and other pollinators doesn’t require sacrificing your summer to the indoors, or risking discomfort and disease from feeding mosquitoes. Through incorporating preventative measures and the responsible application of products, it is possible to take your yard back from mosquitoes without dangerously impacting your local pollinators.

The Importance of Protecting Pollinators

The global decline in pollinator species — both in diversity and population — is widespread cause for concern. Insect pollinators play an essential role in the reproduction of many wild and food crop plant species, and bees in particular contribute to the success of the world’s most important human food crops. However, wild and domestic bee numbers have been dropping over the last decades, with losses as high as 54% in parts of Europe. Several causes are believed to contribute to pollinator decline: habitat loss, parasites and disease, improper pesticide application, and environmental damage have all been cited as factors. As a result, pollinator stewardship has emerged as a new conservation goal among landowners.

Human Health and Mosquito Control

Other human-insect interactions present more negative consequences. Itchy bites make mosquitoes an outdoor nuisance, but their ability to spread disease also makes mosquito control an issue of public health. Mosquito-borne diseases include the Zika virus, malaria, West Nile virus, several types of encephalitis, and dog heartworm. Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes kill humans and animals every year, and sustained mosquito management is necessary to prevent outbreaks. People can decrease exposure by wearing long clothing outdoors and screening areas indoors, but the most effective form of mosquito control is prevention. Mosquitoes need standing water to breed, and eliminating these breeding sites reduces populations around the home and work areas. Remove debris from ditches and yards, clean gutters, flip over or store objects that may hold rainwater, put drain holes in outdoor containers, and change the water in bird baths twice a week.

A Responsible Approach to Pesticide Application

Chemical mosquito abatement is also an option. Larvicidal products can be used to treat areas where standing water may gather, and the treatment either kills aquatic mosquito larvae or prevents them from emerging as adults. Adulticide is usually distributed as a fog; regardless of whether an adulticide is botanical or a conventional pesticide, it can be harmful to bees if applied incorrectly. Responsible, mosquito-targeted application is key to reducing dangerous insect populations while protecting bees and other pollinators. Flowering plants that attract pollinators can be covered or avoided during treatments, and the application should focus on foliage, the ground, and shady, dense areas that mosquitoes prefer. Understanding the life cycles of insects and how they interact with the environment helps reduce the amount of pesticide required to be successful, and a complete, integrated pest management system is always more effective than a chemical treatment alone.

Professional Solutions

With pollinator numbers dropping, it is more important than ever to protect our wild and domesticated bee species. At the same time, mosquito management for comfort and safety is an issue that impacts human health worldwide. Both concerns can be addressed through a combination of research, proactive measures, and the responsible application of the correct organic mosquito control treatment.

If mosquitoes are chasing you inside, but you’re reluctant to put your local bee population at risk, contact the integrated pest management professionals at Mosquito Tek of Norfolk. We are happy to arm you with knowledge and supply you with practical steps you can take to reduce pest populations around the home, plus supplement your actions with technology and products that may not be available to the public. Together, you and your neighborhood pollinators can both enjoy the summer.

Mosquitoes and fleas are a common problem. Being bitten by them is not a pleasant experience, because the bites are very itchy and irritable. What do you do in this situation? Do you rush to the shops to buy some chemicals? Chemicals can have a negative impact on your health and damage the environment. Are there any organic mosquito control methods? Certainly!

Let’s explore some of these organic methods to eradicate these pests. Both mosquitoes and fleas have a very sensitive sense of smell. Lemon balm, citronella, catnip, marigolds, lavender and peppermint are just a few of the smells that will ward off mosquitoes and fleas. These fragrances are very pleasant to our noses, and they can even help people relax and de-stress.

Treat your pets

As we all know, both mosquitoes and fleas suck animals’ blood. Don’t take any chances when it comes to your beloved pets. As soon as you identify a flea infestation, you should use flea killers. A slice of lemon can be rubbed on your pets’ fur; this will act as a flea killer. Open wounds should be avoided, because the acidity of lemon juice would result in a painful stinging sensation. Alternatively, you can boil lemon slices for about 30 minutes, and then spray the lemon water on your pets. Remember to avoid your pets’ eyes and noses. Lemon juice is organic, so you don’t need to worry about your pets licking themselves. Repeat this method in 2-3 hours. In addition, some research shows that adding lemon to your pet’s diet improves bug resistance.

Treat yourself

If there is a mosquito or flea infestation in your house, you are also in danger of being bitten. Crush some peppermint leaves, and apply them to your skin. No mosquitoes or fleas will come near you. This method also helps reduce itchiness and swelling of existing bites. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

Treat your garden

Rosemary and lavender are natural bug repellents, and are both beautiful shrubs to have in your garden.

Treat your house

Many of us have experienced the painful bites of mosquitoes while enjoying the night air in summer. Growing the plants mentioned above in pots on the patio or even placing them on the windowsill will deter insects.

In conclusion, to get rid of mosquitoes and fleas in your home, you don’t need to make use of potentially dangerous chemical products. Rather use these cost-effective, environmentally friendly measures to keep your home bug-free.